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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.